People hoping for a smoother screen on the next budget-friendly Apple smartphone might want to lower their expectations. According to a prominent industry leaker, the upcoming iPhone 18e will retain the same 60Hz display panel as the current generation. This means buyers looking for a more affordable device will miss out on the faster 120Hz refresh rates and the popular always-on display features that are expected across the rest of the lineup.
The display upgrade is delayed until a future budget model
The leaker known as Digital Chat Station shared that the new low-cost phone will continue using a basic 60Hz screen. While the main iPhone 18 models will get the ProMotion technology for smoother scrolling, the cheaper version will remain a step behind. This choice stands out because many rival Android phones at similar price points already offer 120Hz screens as a standard feature.
Reports from Korea earlier this year back up this claim. They suggest that the company will not bring a better screen panel to its budget line until early 2028. This future shift depends heavily on the development of a newer display technology called LTPO+. This advanced tech is designed to use far less battery power while keeping the screen running smoothly.
If everything goes according to plan, the brand will save the new LTPO+ panels for its high-end iPhone models in 2028. This move would finally free up the older, standard LTPO panels to be used on the budget devices.
However, if the development of the new battery-saving screens falls behind schedule, the trickle-down effect could be delayed even further. Shoppers looking for a highly responsive screen on a budget will simply have to wait a bit longer or spend more money for a premium device this fall.
